Please Help Ivana Get Better

Let me start by saying that I am going to be a nurse one day.  I am extremely compassionate and caring.  Anyone who knows me can tell you that I will do anything and everything for those who need help.  My goal is to become a nurse one day.  That goal has been sidetracked by a series of unfortunate events. 

My Name is Ivana, a 17-year-old high school senior that has been accepted into Georgia Southern University for the fall semester 2013.

Here is my story; I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when I was 13, two years later that cancer spread to the lymph nodes in my neck.  I had surgery in December 2011 to have the infected nodes in my neck removed.  After the surgery, things were going so good for me until now.  I am currently intubated at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida for sepsis.  Yes, I developed a mystery infection in my stomach that has drastically put a setback in my future plans. I have had multiple surgeries to wash out the infection, and I lay in bed with an open stomach. I am on an array of antibiotics and medications to control my blood pressure, and soon I will be on continuous renal replacement therapy to help my kidneys, which have been affected by my blood pressure.

Everyday that I lay in bed sedated, I lose muscle tone.  I am also at high risk for pressure sores.  My mom has been at my bedside turning me and providing movement to my arms and my legs.  My situation is very critical, however the doctors say that I am young and I have a big chance for a full recovery.  They say that it will be at least a week before I am taken off the ventilator, and a month or two before I am completely well and ready to resume my goal to become a nurse.

I am asking for a small donation to off set medical bills.  Prayer and words of encouragement are also requested.  Thank you in advance for your help!  I will keep you posted of my progress.